Cannonball uses 5 different finish types. These 5 finishes can be combined to create a large number of unique looks which can be viewed using the links on the
table below. Different finishes help create different tone colors as striking looks to individualize your Cannonball. The following are the 5 types of finishing we use:
Black Anodized Nickel
Our most popular finish is black anodized nickel plating. Plating is superior to black lacquer, because the plating
bonds to the brass, becoming one with it. This helps reduce flaking. Black nickel not only offers the look people love, it has a big sound that projects into the room.
Silver
Our silver plated horns have a brilliant sound that fills the room. They are plated with 100% silver. We experimented on the exact thickness of silver
plating to make the horns sound the best and discovered that dipping the horn twice in the vat of silver created the perfect effect. Three times made the vibrancy decrease.
Remember silver tarnishes and if a player has hand acidity the plating will not last as long.
Unlacquered
We have a saying here at Cannonball, "Ugly is beautiful!" Yes, this raw brass will oxidize and turn green and ugly with time. Years ago, players were giving their saxophones
acid baths to take off the lacquer to get that old vintage sound. We've made it so you don't have to give the acid bath. Our unlacquered horn has a nice vintage sound.
Rich Gold Lacquer
Our rich gold lacquer horns have a traditional sound.
Iced Finishes
To get an iced looking finish, the brass is sand blasted before it is plated. Typically iced finishes are a bit brighter.
Finish Combinations
When these finishes are combined many different looks are available. Cannonball has 10 standard combinations. Refer to the chart below to see these finishes
and how their combination affects the tone color.
Let's review the finishes:
Black Anodized Nickel - generally a full big sound that projects without being too bright.
Silver - 100% silver plated that has a brilliant sound that fills the room.
Unlacquered - Vintage sound.
Rich Gold Lacquered - Traditional sound.
There are many variables that affect a saxophone's basic timbre. While many important ones include the physical attributes of the individual
player (size, mouth cavity, posture, embouchure) as well as mouthpiece and reed setups, the finishes and customized necks can certainly affect the basic tone of the horn.
Each saxophone seems to have unique qualities which combine with its player to create an individual sound. This is one of the most important reasons to try horns out at a
dealer to hear how your variables will affect your personal saxophone sound.
